In response to the killing of a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan at Mongket Chepu in Ukhrul district on Friday, a coordinated combing operation was carried out on Saturday by security forces, including the Manipur Police, BSF, CRPF, and the Indian Army, to apprehend the perpetrators.
The BSF constable, Mithun Mandal was shot dead on Friday while on patrolling duty in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, officials said.
A local media report quoting police sources reported that during the coordinated combing operation conducted between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. in Mongket Chepu and Shikhibung areas on Saturday, security forces destroyed 21 bunkers and recovered 11 empty cartridge cases.
They also conducted area domination, searching, and sanitization of the surroundings to capture the perpetrators and prevent any unlawful activities. Such operations will continue to deter illegal activities and apprehend those responsible, the report added.
According to reports, Constable Mandal from West Bengal was “struck by a bullet fired from an unknown direction around 4.30 pm”, an official said.
Mandal, who hailed from Bhagjan Tola village of West Bengal, was taken to a hospital in Imphal, where he died around 6 pm.
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh condemned the killing, and offered condolences to his family members.
“Strongly condemn the tragic martyrdom of Constable Mithun Mandal (170 Bn, BSF), who was fatally injured by a bullet from an unknown direction while on patrol at Mongkot Chepu, Ukhrul today. He succumbed at RIMS, Imphal.
“A brave son of West Bengal, his sacrifice in the line of duty will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences to his bereaved family. Prayers for strength and peace in this hour of grief. Om shanti,” Singh said.
Kuki village Mongkot Chepu and neighbouring Tangkhul Naga has been witnessing gunfights, after ethnic clashes broke out between two communities in February.
Search operations and area domination by security forces were carried out to nab the “militants” behind the attack, the Manipur Police said in a statement.
